Trooping the Colour is a ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies. It has been a tradition of British infantry regiments since the 17th century, although the roots go back much earlier. On battlefields, a regiment’s colours, or flags, were used as rallying points. Since 1748 Trooping the Colour has also marked the official birthday of the British sovereign.

The royal family, marching bands and participating troops proceed from Buckingham Palace, along The Mall to Horseguards Parade where the ceremony takes place.

A return route takes the royal family back down The Mall to the Palace in time for the flypast, which the Queen and royal party view from the balcony.